Shih Apso (Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Mix) Dog Breed Information

Posted on Jul 15, 2019, Modified : Jan 24, 2020 Zina

Shih Apso pesonality, temperament, and behavior

Breeds

Country of Origin	United States
Nicknames and Other Names	Unknown
Scientific Name	Canis lupus familiaris
Breed Type	Crossbreed
Group	Companion Dog
Bred For	Family Companion
Size	Small-Sized
Recognized By	Unknown
Life Span	12-15 Years
Ideal Weight	12-18 Pounds (male and female)
Ideal Height	9-12 Inches (male and female)
Fur Type	Long and Silky to touch
Common Colors	Fawn, Brindle, White, Tan, Sable, Gray
Markings	None
Availability	Moderately Available
Achievements	None
Suitable for Apartments	Yes
Used in World War	No
Most Similar To	Lhasa Apso Sih Tzu

The blend of the two small and beautiful breeds Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu result in an equally beautiful Shih Apso. They have long silky hair with some curls. Their muzzle is usually short while the body is more of the Shih Tzu with size variation.

Shih Apso makes a great family companion as they are sweet, active and best for a lap dog. They do not need a big yard and can do great in an apartment too as they are small and can play inside too. it is a designer breed, so it got the mixed traits and characteristics from its parent breeds.

Temperament, Behavior, and Personality

Temperament: Since Shih Apso is Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu mix, it got the mixed temperament of both of its parents. It got the cuddly, playful nature of the Shih Tzu and independent, adventurous nature of the Lhasa Apso. It is playful with the family who enjoys their company and wants to be by their side most of the time.

Behavior: Shih Apso is very close to its people that love their company. They like being with them playing or just sit or cuddle with them. If they are left alone without anyone’s company, they can face separation anxiety and can become destructive. So, do not leave them all by themselves.

Personality: The Shih Apso is a loving, affectionate, and alert dog. They form a strong bond with the family and are very loving towards them. They are also a very alert dog that will sound an alarm if they see or hear anything suspicious in the surrounding.

Is Shih Apso Child-Friendly?

Yes, Shih Apso is friendly with children as they are playful and loving towards them. They do well if raised together from an early age. Although they are a friendly dog, they do not tolerate kid’s harsh behavior like pulling, pinching.

So, always teach your kids to behave and be gentle around dogs. Always supervise their playtime and interaction as to avoid any kind of harsh behavior from either party.

A boy taking Shih Apso on a walk.
Image Source: Instagram-@ keekeelai

Trainability

Training Shih Apso can be difficult if the training is not started from an early age. They can be stubborn sometimes when independence hit them. So, start obedience training at an early age and slowly move to advance and agility training as they grow up. They respond best if they are rewarded with treats and also lots of vocal praises. This will keep them motivated and focused.

Trick training Shih Apso.

Facts

Shih Apso is a designer breed that is bred in the United States when designer breeds were on-trend.
It has not yet been recognized by any major Kennel Club including American Kennel Club.

Health Issues

General Health	Healthy
Common Health Issues	Hip Dysplasia, Skin allergies, Cataracts, Lens Luxation, Hip Dysplasia
Hypoallergenic	No
Vaccination Required	Rabies, Leptospirosis, Canine Coronavirus, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza, Canine Distemper, Kennel Cough
Shedding	Moderate to Heavy Shedder
Drooling	Low Drooler
Grooming	Average Grooming Required
Weight Gain Potential	Low
Separation Anxiety	High Chance
Allergies	Skin Allergies
Diets and Supplements	Protein: 18% Fat: 5% Digestive Enzymes Fish Oil Glucosamine Multivitamins

The Shih Apso can face the following health problem during their lifetime:

Hernia: Like a human, your dog also might suffer from the hernia. It is a condition where the contents of the abdomen push through a hole or a tear in fatty tissue or a muscle wall. It can be treated depending on the condition and where it had developed. Take your dog to a vet for a proper check and treatment.
Allergies: It is a condition that is caused due to the interaction of the foreign particle that is particularly harmful to your dog. So, if you see any itchiness, patches or abnormal activity on your dog, take it to a vet to find what caused the allergy and its treatment.